Letter from the editor

Hey lovely readers,

Wow, what a crazy few months it has been. There’s been so much going on in the Things&Ink bubble. The new issue, which is out now, is number four, but it also marks one year of the magazine. It is incredible to think that this time last year, it didn’t exist in the beautiful physical form that it does now. And it’s the biggest, and most ambitious, issue to date – well, we couldn’t mark Things&Ink’s first birthday in any other way now, could we?

The best ideas always come after a bottle or two of Pinot, and that’s exactly how photographer Heather Shuker and I came up with the concept for The Art Issue – and, of course, with the help of art historian Doctor Matt Lodder. We have created a stunning photo feature, including recreations of iconic works of art with our very own tattoo twist – check out the issue to see which painting the legendary Lal Hardy posed in.

The issue covers tricky topics, such as tattoo etiquette (when does inspiration turn into copying?), and tattoos as art. We also spoke to artists who have had their own work used as tattoo inspiration. One of my personal highlights  is an interview with iconic artist Jack Vettriano, as I have been a huge fan of his work since my teenage years.

The Art Issue really is incredible thanks to all its talented contributors, and I can’t wait for everyone to get their hands on a copy. It is definitely my favourite issue to date.

Also in case you missed it, I debated tattoos with Jeremy Paxman and Boris Johnson’s sister Rachel on Wednesday evening on Newsnight, it really was one of the most surreal nights of my life. Paxman was loving my Pre-Raphaelite leg by our cover star Tracy D, which also features in the latest issue.

Hope you all enjoy the issue as much as I have enjoyed editing it. And be sure to check out our website for all the latest deals.

Hope to see you all at the party for Under Her Skin at Atomica Gallery, it’s time to celebrate a truly special year.

Lots of love
Alice
xxxx